.tmb-medium.jpeg?Culture=en&sfvrsn=7663f9a6_1 "Tropzie")
About Tropzie
Tropzie McCluney was born in Rock Hill but moved to Shelby at an early age. Wife to Earnest, mother to six, and grandmother to seven, Tropzie finally retired after 42 years as an educator. She graduated from North Carolina Central University with a Bachelors in English/Library Science and a master’s degree in library science. She later attended Converse College and UNCC where she earned her degree as an Educational Specialist and obtained certifications in supervision, administration, and curriculum.
Her education career has served the youth of Cleveland County Schools. Her professional career began at Washington Elementary, before she moved on to the Cleveland County Schools Central Office, where she held a number of positions before becoming Principal of Township Elementary. Her work in education has been recognized across the Carolinas.
Tropzie’s passion for education, student success, and child homelessness extends beyond the school system and stems from the belief that “ALL children can be successful.” She and her husband share their home with foster children (over 20 children have found a “safe and happy environment” with her family), and she continues to mentor and tutor children. She was even named Mother of the Year by her church!
Her love of God and family are Tropzie’s greatest rewards. She always finds time to give herself to the church, Jerusalem Church of God, and serves there in various capacities. The guidance from her parents, along with the support of her family have given her many opportunities in life, and she’s proud to share that with others. “After all is said and done, I feel, love and sunshine are the same. They both brighten our day.”
How long have you been involved in the community?
Tropzie’s involvement in the community began as a young child, joining her parents at rest homes and hospitals where they would provide encouragement, food, clothing, and other necessary items to residents: “My parents were adamant about giving back to the community individually, as well as through my church ministry and various agencies and organizations.”
What are some of the things you are doing in your community?
Tropzie is heavily involved in various leadership roles in her church and in the community. She serves or has served on the Atrium Health Care Board, Cleveland CORE Coalition FFTC-Cleveland, FFTS-Charlotte, HBCU Planning Committee, Destination Cleveland County, Friends of the Library, Cleveland County Children’s Home Board, United Way Fund Distribution, Cleveland County Schools Community Advisory, and currently acts as Executive Director for the Community Math Academy. She’s also deeply involved in the success of the Annual Distinguished Image Awards, which recognizes top minority achievements by juniors and seniors in Cleveland County High Schools. And that’s not all! She founded and organized the Cleveland County Bible Bowl, an event that promotes biblical principles and scripture to children in fun and engaging ways.
What's one piece of advice you have on how to encourage others to show up in their community, be involved, and make an impact?
“Find your passion! Identify causes or issues that resonate with you personally. It could be education, environmental conservation, or social justice. Working on something you care about will keep you motivated and engaged. Have fun as you work out your passion.”
What impact has your commitment to service had on your life?
I hope that my love and involvement in the community has modeled how we are not on an island alone, and we have the responsibility to “be our brother’s keeper.’ I have learned new skills, enhanced existing ones…including leadership, organization, and communication. Stay involved helps me to grow personally and professionally.”